WASHINGTON, April 12 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States Tuesday identified ways to strengthen their cooperation in the "important and dynamic" field of science and technology through people-to-people exchanges.

The second annual high-level China-U.S. Consultation on People-to-People Exchange (CPE), co-chaired by visiting Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, acknowledged a "challenge" in the identification of ways to "strengthen the bilateral science and technology relationship using a people-to-people approach, rather than traditional government-to-government channels," the U.S. State Department said in a press release.

It cited collaboration between the two countries in science and technology as "an important and dynamic area in the bilateral relationship,"which dated back to the 1979 U.S.-China Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement, one of the first bilateral agreements.

The Young Scientist Forum, a new initiative announced as the two-day CPE concluded Tuesday, would seek to connect the brightest young scientists in the two countries to enhance "mutual understanding" in the field of science and technology, the press release said.

It said the forum would explore ways to promote interaction between young U.S. and Chinese researchers using exchange programs and innovative technological platforms to facilitate discussions on topics of common interest regarding building careers and partnerships in science and the conduct of science, including research integrity, scientific responsibility and peer-review processes.

China and the United States also shared an interest in enhancing public understanding of the role of science in society, to help create the needed support and appreciation for the contributions of scientists to societal advancement, the press release said.

It said the two sides would investigate "innovative programs" over the next year to enhance interaction of science journalists, museum professionals and educators with the aim of boosting public understanding of scientific issues in both countries.

China and the United States launched the CPE, with its first meeting in May 2010 in Beijing, to enhance and strengthen ties between their citizens in the areas of women's issues, education, culture, sports, and science and technology.

In his January state visit to the United States, Chinese President Hu Jintao and U.S. counterpart Barack Obama agreed to take positive steps to further increase bilateral people-to-people exchanges.